"Sizzling...Kennedy's exquisite world building and terrific plotting make this a must-read."

HE'LL DO ANYTHING TO FREE HIS PEOPLE...

Lord Drystan Hawkes dreams of fighting for England's freedom from the
endless evils of the Elven Lords. But first he must find the beautiful
slave girl who holds the secret to his quest.

SHE HOLDS THE KEY TO HIS LIBERATION...

Enslaved for years in a realm of illusion, Camille Ashton has learned to
trust no one. But she's truly spellbound when she meets Drystan, and
somehow when they are together, she can see what's true.

From Kathryne Kennedy, acclaimed by critics as "absorbing" and
"impossible to put down," The Lord of Illusion opens ups to an
enchanting world with characters that live and breathe between the
pages.

Review:

Lord Drystan lives in Wales with his foster parents Giles and Cecily (the heroes from book 2, The Lady in the Storm). He is a loner because he had fits and feinting as a boy that left others afraid of him. Finally as a man he learned that the voices in his head came from the three stolen scepters hidden in their fortress and if he would listen then wouldn’t cause him to pass out. He also doesn’t get a lot of sleep as he responds to them and the visions of a beautiful woman whom he comes to believe is the key to winning the war against the Elven Lords.

Drystan, Giles and Cecily travel to London to help the rebellion. There he meets the girl of his dreams - literally. When he first sees her he only recognizes her multicolored eyes because she is covered in filth and fighting off unwanted attentions of a slovenly man. Camille is a slave and therefore in the lowest class. She has no rights and is subject to cruel masters and unpleasant handling from anyone who takes an interest. She has learned to trust no one. So when this gorgeous man rescues her and takes her to his chambers to clean up she immediately suspects his motives.

It takes time for Camille to relax around Drystan but he is patient and cherishing. (Lovely man!) Drystan is dedicated to the cause of the rebellion even if it might mean his own life. Camille watches as all of the old and new warriors gather together to risk their lives. Camille and Drystan figure out how the meaning of the key, her birthmark. Camille's friend, Grimor’ee, the dragon of Dreamhame, steals Dreamhame scepter and gives it to Drystan. But it will require all seven scepters to open the gateway.

The group that gathers includes Dominic and Cassandra from Book 1, The Fire Lord's Lover. Not only will the team have to battle the enchanted, or cursed, forest, but they will have to fight the remaining Elven lords and figure out how to wield the scepters and how to operate the key. When it comes time, Camille has learned courage and sacrifice by watching the others. Has Drystan found her only to lose her?

Once again Ms. Kennedy has done a wonderful job with her fantasy world building. I love the characters in this book. I also I love the dragons in the whole series. This story is filled with beautiful surroundings, plenty of action and a warm (nearly hot) romance.

Some sweet words:
Drystan to Camille:

Your love will not kill me, but the lack of it surely will. Location 3410

Drystan preparing to face danger:

He knew love, like freedom, took great sacrifice. Location 4129

I received this book from Sourcebooks through NetGalley to read and review.

I will add this to my ARC challenge list.
Please don't miss The Elven Lords Blogger Hop Giveaway in the next post!